SD33 celebrating accessibility week early to avoid conflict with year-end events

CHILLIWACK — Staff and students in the Chilliwack School District will be celebrating accessibility and inclusion earlier than the rest of the country, from May 25 to May 29.

On Wednesday, May 27, SD33 schools will be taking part in Red Shirt Day – a national campaign that helps Canadians show their support for disabled people and recognize disabled Canadians’ achievements during National AccessAbility Week.

“Red Shirt Day is a day when people across Canada come together and wear red to create a visible display of solidarity,” said SD33. “It is an Easter Seals initiative and was first celebrated in 2019.”

Sardis Secondary is also set to host an Accessibility Sports Day that day, and on Thursday evening, May 28, Imagine High will be hosting Champions for Accessibility.

Attendees at the latter event can expect to hear from keynote speaker Lexa Bergen, watch student videos about accessibility, and honour five staff finalists nominated as Champions.

National AccessAbility Week runs from May 31 to June 6 this year.

The district says it is marking the week earlier to “avoid overlapping with graduations and other year-end events.”